Who Regulates Medical Practice?

Medical Board of Australia (Ahpra)

Responsible for:

  • Registering doctors and medical students
  • Setting professional standards and guidelines
  • Investigating complaints
  • Assessing international medical graduates
  • Accrediting medical courses

Visit AHPRA

State and Territory Medical Councils

Each state and territory has its own medical council that manages concerns about:

  • Doctor conduct and performance
  • Health impairments affecting practice
  • Professional education programs

For specific information, refer to the medical council in your state or territory.

Meeting Recency of Practice Requirements

According to the Ahpra website,* doctors must maintain a connection to medical practice. The Medical Board of Australia requires:

  • 4 weeks full-time (152 hours) in 12 months OR
  • 12 weeks full-time (456 hours) over 3 years

Failure to meet these standards may lead to conditions on registration or refusal to practice.

More on recency requirements

*Checked April 2026. Please check Ahpra site for updates.  

Changing Your Scope of Practice

  • No extra requirements if narrowing practice
  • Additional training required if expanding practice
  • Approval from a specialist college and a professional development plan required if changing fields

Returning to Work: Medical Board of Australia Requirements*

  • Away <12 months: No additional requirements
  • Away 12-36 months: Minimum 12 months of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
  • Away >36 months: CPD, professional development plan, and supervised work
  • Doctors with <2 years of experience: Supervised work required if away for more than 12 months

More on re-entry requirements

*Checked April 2026. Please check Ahpra site for updates.  

RACGP Recommendations for GPs

  • Away <12 months: Maintain CPD, seek a mentor if needed.
  • Away 12-36 months: Learning plan, supervision, clinical skills assessment.
  • Away >36 months: Regular teaching, prescribing review, mentorship

More on RACGP re-entry

Support Organisations

Doctors' Health Advisory Services

Provide confidential support and advice to doctors and medical students.

Doctors with Disabilities Australia

Advocates for inclusive medical careers and offers peer support. Visit DWDA

Career Support & Coaching

  • Australian Medical Association (AMA): Offers career advice, resume writing, and interview skills. Visit AMA
  • Creative Careers in Medicine: A peer support group for career transitions. Join on Facebook
  • Medical Career Planning (Dr Ashe Coxon): Coaching and workshops. Visit Medical Career Planning

Occupational Physicians

Assist with work-related injuries and workplace adjustments. Learn more

Wellbeing Support

  • Medical Benevolent Associations: Provide financial aid and counselling.
    • New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory: Visit
    • Victoria Visit
    • Queensland: Visit
    • South Australia and Northern Territory: Visit
    • Western Australia: Contact is through the AMA WA by email: mail@amawa.com.au
    • Tasmania: Visit

Medical Indemnity Providers Support Services

Avant Visit

MDA National Visit

MIGA Visit

MIPS Visit